
A tour of New Zealand would not be complete without a visit to the jaw-dropping Milford Sound, a truly astonishing and magical place, not only one of the most spectacular in New Zealand, but on the entire face of the earth really. While a Milford Sound Cruise might be your final goal to this destination on your New Zealand holiday, in this case the well known saying "it's not only about the destination, but about the journey as well", certainly resonates here.
State highway 94, or also known as the Milford Road, is a two hour, 118km long driving route, and arguably New Zealand's most stunning. The drive lends itself perfect for those touring New Zealand on a self drive tour. There are many incredible vantage points to soak up the majestic scenery, and there are numerous excellent shorter walks en route to Milford Sound as well.
So hit the road, be in for one of the most unforgettable road trips in your life, and do not miss the following on the Milford Road:
1. Te Anau Downs
A great little stop for that first picture moment along the Milford Road is Te Anau Downs. This is also the start of the Milford Track, where hikers aboard the boat that takes them across lake Te Anau deeper into Fiordland National Park to the start of the Milford Track walking track. There's probably no need to introduce this hike, and in case you've never heard of this epic 4 day trek, it's is sometimes dubbed "the finest walk in the world". Does that wet your apetite sufficiently?
2. Knobs Flat
Within the Eglinton Valley, about 63km on the Milford Road , is Knobs Flat. This is where you'll find the last flush toilets until you reach Milford Sound, just something to keep in mind if you're carrying on all the way to Milford Sound. There is also a campsite here, and many short walks in the area. It is a pleasant area with not so many visitors staying, and there are opportunities for fishing and bird watching. It may not quite have the incredible dramatic scenery yet that awaits you further along the road, but a great place to hang out just a bit longer and dig a little deeper if you can spare the time.
3. Lake Gunn Nature Walk
This loop track starts at the Cascade Creek carpark and takes you through red beech forest to the shores of Lake Gunn. On the way a variety of mosses and native birds can usually be seen (45mins return).
4. Key Summit Track
Spend a day on the world famous Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's great walks and without a doubt one of the best hikes in New Zealand. The 3-day Routeburn Track is such a popular hike that bookings for staying in huts should be done for sometimes more than 6 months in advance, as spaces are very limited and run out extremely fast.
For those with limited time, and still would like to experience the glorious scenery the Routeburn Track offers, the three hour return climb up to Key Summit is a more than amazing alternative, and offers stunning views of the Hollyford and Greenstone Valleys. The walk starts at the Divide on the Milford Road and takes you through beautiful native beech forest first, before climbing above the bushline.
The walk is relatively easy on well formed paths and is also suitable for children.
5. Lake Marian Track
A little further from the Divide is the Lower Hollyford Road, which leads to the start of the Lake Marian Track, and also the 4-8 day Hollyford Track. Beautiful Lake Marian lies in a deep hanging valley and is well worth a side-trip. It may well be one of the most beautiful settings in Fiordland National Park.
The walk is a 3.1km return track and passes via a series of spectacular waterfalls. The track then becomes steep in places and does get quite muddy as well, especially after some of Fiordland's notorious rain. From here, it's almost uphill all the time until you reach the lake, which offer marvellous reflections of the surrounding mountains if the weather is calm.
Be careful not to walk around the lake's edge during winter and early spring, when there is a risk for avalanches.
6. Homer Tunnel
There's no way you will miss the Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound, as you'll be passing through it anyhow! It is a 1.2km long tunnel, with a 10% gradient, sloping down to Milford Sound and cuts through the Darran Mountain range below the Homer Saddle into the Cleddau Valley. Traffic lights operate here during the busy summer months to keep it safer, but the tunnel itself is wide enough for a bus and small vehicle to pass through.
Before the Homer Tunnel is also the start of the Gertrude Saddle track, and this one is not for the faint hearted. A strenuous route without signed markers, but with incredibly rewarding views. Only for seriously experienced hikers.
7. Humboldt Falls
About 17km off the main road into the Hollyfor valley road, a 30 minute hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking New Zealand's highest waterfall, the Humboldt Falls.
8. Mirror Lakes
The Mirror Lakes are a popular stop for tour buses as well, so don't expect to be alone here. However, the perfect mountain reflections in this little lake are definitely worth the short walk of only 5-10 minutes.
9. The Chasm
Just before arriving into Milford Sound, a short 20 minute round trip walk takes you to an impressive rock chasm with a series of waterfalls and is well worth doing before you reach your final destination on this truly epic road trip.
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